Eligibility
Start of the Year
At the start of each academic year all returning and incoming student-athletes need to complete required forms. A workflow packet to complete these forms will be sent out to you via Teamworks in early August if you are active on a roster. If you are not on a roster, please contact the appropriate coach for the sport you wish to participate in.
General Eligibility Guidelines
In order to be eligible to participate in practice and/or competition, all student-athletes must meet minimum academic and other requirements as determined by NCAA, Ivy League and institutional rules and standards. The institution has established
Working Eligibility Policies and Procedures where you can find current information on academic eligibility (i.e., credit hour requirements, GPA requirements, etc.) and the requirements you must meet in order to be able to practice and compete in NCAA athletics at Cornell. The Student-Athlete Handbook also provides an easily accessible reference with regard to the Athletic Department's overall administration, policies, and procedures specifically relevant to you.
Time Away From Cornell
If at any time you take time away from Cornell (expectedly or unexpectedly), be aware that what you do academically or athletically while you are away may impact your eligibility upon return to Cornell. Prior to your leave, or as soon as possible thereafter, it is advised that you contact a member of the compliance staff regarding any plans to enroll elsewhere or compete while away from Cornell so that eligibility ramifications, including a possible 5th year (see below), may be discussed.
Seasons of Eligibility/Fifth Year/Medical Hardship
Student-athletes have eligibility for no more than four (4) seasons of intercollegiate athletic competition in any sport, which ordinarily must be used within five (5) calendar years from their first full-time matriculation at any collegiate institution. Any competition, regardless of time, during the season in a sport shall constitute the use of a season of eligibility. In most sports, this includes competition in scrimmages, exhibitions or junior varsity contests. Under Ivy League rules, student-athletes are ordinarily expected to use their eligibility during their first four years of enrollment. The Ivy League does not allow "redshirts" (i.e., sitting out a season of competitive play to extend eligibility). If you are enrolled at Cornell and medically able to participate during your season, you are considered to have used a season of eligibility under Ivy League rules regardless of whether you compete. In limited circumstances (i.e., medical hardships, leaves of absences) there are exceptions to this rule. If you are considering a 5th year, please consult the Athletic Compliance Office for more information on the process and to assess whether you qualify for a 5th Year Waiver.
